When it comes to insulating your home, there are two options: spray foam insulation and cellulose insulation. Although they both have their advantages, you have to be wise to choose the one that fits your house’s needs. Spray foam insulation definitely takes the pie but its cost can be a deterring factor. On the other hand, cellulose insulation is more reasonably priced but then it might not last longer than the former. Whatever you may choose, it all boils down to the fact that insulation is an important factor in creating a cozy home.

What is Spray Foam Insulation?

When we talk about using spray foam insulation for your home, it’s basically pumping polyurethane foam into the walls, ceilings and other nooks and crannies in your house that is required for insulation. Spray foam insulation effectively keeps heat in your house during the colder seasons and dissipates it outside during the hotter ones.

Pro - Better Insulation

Unlike other kinds of insulation like cellulose, spray foam provides better insulation because its fluid nature allows for it to go through tiny crevices. This means that you can cover walls and ceilings more efficiently without doing too much work. And because it can insulate a house more effectively, you won’t have to spend as much on electricity bills by drastically setting your heater or air conditioner’s thermostat.

Pro - Prevents Mold Formation

Another benefit of spray foam is that it is impenetrable to water and as such does not cause any mold formation. Other than that, it can stick onto walls, ceilings and even floors better making it last longer than other forms of insulation. And it’s not an irritant so if you accidentally touch the spray foam insulation in your house, you won’t experience any itching. It’s not just molds that spray foam inhibits but also the infestation of bugs and other vermin because now they don’t have any holes to live in.

Con - Expensive

Spray foam is more expensive than any other kinds of insulation in the market.

Con - Messy

The foam can settle in places that should not be. And if you pack in too much foam, that section of the wall could buckle.

What is Cellulose Insulation?

Cellulose insulation is made from recycled newsprint fibers that are treated with non-toxic borate. Because cellulose insulation is made from organic material, and used paper at that, environmentalists advocate for its use in households.

Pro - Safe

Cellulose insulation is probably the safest among all the other kinds of insulation there is including spray foam insulation. You won’t have any problem with it being accidentally exposed as it’s not harmful at all.

Pro - Noise Reduction

Other than the fact that it’s an insulator, cellulose can also reduce the noise heard between rooms. This is an extra feature of cellulose that you can take into account when you’re constructing your home.

Pro - Inexpensive

As compared to spray foam insulation, cellulose is cheaper and hence, more economical for use in homes.

Cons - Moisture

Cellulose has the ability to absorb moisture, and although it can dry out, it still leaves possibility for mold formation.